Roundup

A 73-year-old man suffering from Alzheimer's disease was reported missing by his daughter last week. According to police reports, James William Cowan has been missing from his home in the 100 block of Arlington Boulevard since 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 15. Cowan is a white male, about 5-feet-10-inches, 190 pounds, with blue eyes and gray hair. It is unknown what clothing he was wearing when he disappeared.

ASSESSMENTS PROJECTED TO CONTINUE RISING

Real estate assessments will rise another 10.75 percent next year, according to estimates by county officials in the Department of Management and Finance. Residential assessments are expected to rise 16.8 percent, while commercial should rise 4.5 percent. That would mean the price of the average home in Arlington could be as high as $370,000 next year.

That will leave homeowners feeling the pinch at tax time. If county board members next year maintain the current tax rate of 97.8 cents per $100 of assessed value, the average residential tax bill couldbe $3,610, more than 86 percent higher than five years ago.

METRO STATION CLOSES

During the week of Oct. 21-28, the entrance to the Virginia Square-GMU Orangel Line Metro station will close early, at 10 p.m. The closure will allow Metro personnel to perform station maintenance and inspect the canopy over the station entrances. Passengers can use elevators to enter and exit the station after 10 p.m. More information on the station maintenance project is available online at www.wmata.com

MARATHON CLOSES ROADS

On Oct. 26, Arlington County Police Department and the Virginia State Police will close streets and highways in Arlington for the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon.

Traffic in Crystal City will be significantly impacted by the race during this time. Motorists are advised to avoid Crystal City on the morning of Oct. 26, if at all possible.

Street parking in the affected areas will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary "No Parking" signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-228-4252.

Marathon parking is located at the parking lots on the 700 block of Army-Navy Dr. (across from Macy's). Shuttle buses will run from these parking lots to the Iwo Jima area. Only runners with bibs will be allowed to board shuttle buses. Handicapped parking is available in the lots and handicapped-accessible shuttle buses will run to the Iwo Jima area.

No bags other than the clear plastic bags issued by the Marine Corps will be allowed on shuttle buses or on the Iwo Jima site. For further information, please call the Special Operations Section's Special Events hotline at 703-228-4147.